NYC Doctor With Ebola 'Awake And Communicating'; Fiancee Released From Hospital
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) - Health officials say Craig Spencer, a New York City doctor being treated for Ebola, is awake and communicating as he moves into the next expected stage of the illness
The city's health commissioner says the doctor is in stable condition and is being treated with anti-viral medication and a plan is in place to administer plasma.
Spencer was admitted to Bellevue on Thursday and tested positive for Ebola. He remains in stable condition.
His is the first case of the deadly virus in the city.
As WCBS 880's Jim Smith reported, Mayor de Blasio said Saturday afternoon they've seen how the virus runs its course on previous patients and spoke about what the coming days have in store for Spencer.
"The phase ahead will be a tough one. By definition, the days ahead will be tough for Dr. Spencer," de Blasio said, after eating lunch at a Greenwich Village restaurant where Spencer ate earlier this week.
"His situation will become worse before it gets better," he added.
NYC Doctor With Ebola 'Awake And Communicating'
Morgan Dixon, Spencer's fiancee, was released from Bellevue Hospital Saturday but will remain in quarantine at their Hamilton Heights home, CBS 2's Dave Carlin reported.
Crews finished sanitizing Spencer's apartment Friday night.
"At first I was concerned because I didn't know what was going on, but after the press conference I just heard I'm a little at ease that no one can catch it unless you are in contact with bodily fluids. So I feel better now," neighbor Maria Bouziotis said.
Dixon and two friends of the couple are in quarantine as a precaution as well.
De Blasio said the quarantine for all three would be lifted on Nov. 14.
City politicians and health officials outlined the protocols that will keep Dixon inside for 21 days and in contact with two caseworkers only.
"The case manager from HRA will make sure that every other thing she needs whether it's food or supplies that we address and make this as comfortable as possible for her," Varma said.
"She is unfortunately not allowed to have visitors, but we've guaranteed she has electronic means to communicate with friends and family and particular of course with her loved one who is sick right now and needs all our support," Varma added.
EXTRA: More On Ebola From The CDC
Just days after the Spencer was diagnosed, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams bowled the first frames at the Williamsburg bowling alley where the patient was said to have visited a day before he became ill.
Spencer arrived in New York on Oct. 17 after treating Ebola patients in Guinea.
Experts have repeatedly assured the public that there is little chance that Spencer spread the virus prior to developing symptoms, but his case prompted Gov. Chris Christie and Gov. Andrew Cuomo to establish new, stricter guidelines for people returning to the area from Ebola-stricken countries.
Under the new rules announced on Friday, state officials will establish a risk level by considering the countries that people have visited and their level of possible exposure to Ebola.
The patients with the highest level of possible exposure will be automatically quarantined for 21 days at a government-regulated facility.
Those with a lower risk will be monitored for temperature and symptoms, Cuomo explained.
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